West Ham and Brighton closed out 2025 still searching for a league victory after a frantic 2-2 draw at the London Stadium, a contest dominated by spot-kick controversy and momentum swings rather than control.
The hosts struck first inside 10 minutes when Jarrod Bowen raced onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Lucas Paquetá and finished confidently, giving West Ham early belief after a difficult run of results.
What followed late in the first half was a remarkable spell that saw three penalties awarded in quick succession. Brighton were first to benefit when Yankuba Minteh was clipped in the area by Max Kilman, allowing Danny Welbeck to level the scores from 12 yards.
Minutes later, Brighton were handed a golden chance to go ahead after Paquetá dragged Lewis Dunk to the ground at a set piece. Welbeck stepped up again, attempting an audacious Panenka, but his effort struck the crossbar, sparking angry reactions from West Ham players who felt the attempt lacked respect.
The drama did not stop there. West Ham were soon awarded a penalty of their own when Callum Wilson’s shot struck Dunk’s arm. The incident was missed by the on-field officials but spotted by VAR, with referee Michael Salisbury sent to the monitor before pointing to the spot. Paquetá made amends for his earlier mistake by converting confidently to restore West Ham’s lead.
Brighton felt further frustration early in the second half when Kaoru Mitoma went down under pressure from Bowen inside the area, but VAR decided against awarding a third penalty. Moments later, however, the visitors found their equaliser anyway. From the resulting corner, Alphonse Areola could only push the ball into danger, allowing Joel Veltman to react quickest and turn home from close range.
Both teams pushed for a winner in an open final period. Bowen forced a sharp save from Bart Verbruggen, while Areola responded at the other end to deny Mitoma and Georginio Rutter after Brighton’s substitutes injected new life into the game.
Neither side could find a decisive moment, and the draw leaves West Ham without a win in eight league matches, though they remain six points clear of the relegation zone. Brighton are also winless in six, meaning both clubs head into the new year with lingering concerns.
Errors continue to undermine West Ham’s efforts. Loose passing, rash challenges and poor decision-making once again proved costly, leading directly to two conceded penalties. While the fight and determination were evident, individual mistakes are becoming a recurring theme that spirit alone cannot mask.
Brighton, meanwhile, showed creativity and threat but lacked composure at key moments. Welbeck’s mixed evening summed up a team that can produce attacking moments but struggles to convert them into wins.
